Wise County Regional Water System

Certain populations may have increased vulnerability to contaminants found in water compared to the general public. This includes immunocompromised individuals such as those undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, elderly residents, and infants. These individuals should consult their healthcare providers regarding water consumption recommendations.

The EPA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provide guidelines on reducing risks from microbial contaminants like Cryptosporidium through their Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water Source Information: The Wise County Regional Water Treatment Plant draws water from the Clinch River, a surface water source. The intake structure is located in Carfax near the CSX Railway Line. The treatment facility at 3055 Carfax Road in Coeburn has a capacity of 2.0 million gallons daily, with current average treatment of 850,000 gallons per day.

Source Water Assessment: A comprehensive assessment conducted in 2001 by the Virginia Department of Health determined the water to have high susceptibility to contamination based on state-approved Source Water Assessment Program criteria. This assessment includes detailed maps of the source water area and an inventory of potential contamination sources. The report is available by contacting your water system representative.

Understanding Contaminants: All water sources, including bottled and tap water, naturally contain some level of contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. Municipal water comes from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells, dissolving naturally occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials as it travels.

Water can pick up substances from various sources, including:

1. Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
2. Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, industrial discharge, farming, and mining operations
3. Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
4. Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
5. Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or from oil, gas, and mining activities

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations set standards for bottled water, both designed to provide the same public health protection.

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